Who We Are
17-Forward-86 was established in August 2018 by representatives of economic development, construction, environmental stewardship, tourism, business, health care and energy companies who support the enhancement of Route 17. The coalition of more than 200 members representing thousands of stakeholders shares a vision of expanding the capacity of Route 17 to improve safety and enhance mobility in the Hudson Valley and Sullivan Catskills.
The enhancement of Route 17 will strengthen the region’s economy by improving access for tourists and businesses while enhancing commuter safety and reducing environmental damage from vehicular emissions caused by idling motorists. The enhancement will also improve quality of life for residents who face increased traffic on side roads as a result of commuters trying to get around Route 17’s congestion.
Why Now?
The 2013 Route 17 Transportation Corridor Study noted that the existing congestion and delays on Route 17 will worsen over the near- and long-term, and that the volume of development along the corridor necessitates an additional lane/added capacity.
The Hudson Valley is experiencing tremendous growth in population and tourism, further increasing traffic along the corridor. Orange and Sullivan counties rank among the top five fastest-growing counties in New York State. The demand is already here—and growing. The population of Sullivan County has gone up 6.5 percent, or by 4,890 people, since 2018 after being stagnant for nearly two decades. The population of Orange County has increased 7 percent, or by 27,028 people, since this process began in 2018.
New York State has invested $150 million in reconfiguring Route 17’s Exit 131 and expanding the roadway’s capacity is an important next step for the region.
While public transportation is an important part of a sustainable future, cars and trucks—whether electric or gasoline-powered—will remain critical to daily life and commerce. We must prepare accordingly.
A recent traffic analysis by Hudson Valley-based Colliers Engineering and Design confirms the urgent need to upgrade this vital corridor to meet current demand, accommodate future growth, and sustain the region’s economic momentum.
The NYS Route 17 Corridor Study analyzed both present and projected traffic conditions, factoring in anticipated development and long-term population trends. Its findings align with prior New York State Department of Transportation studies: the addition of a general-use third lane from Harriman to Middletown will significantly improve traffic flow during weekday peak hours and weekend surges. The report projects substantial traffic growth over the next 30 years—driven by development and population increases—making this expansion essential.
Did You Know?
Route 17 is the transit epicenter of the region and its inability to meet driver demand negatively affects everything from economic development and tourism, to public safety and population growth/retention.
Expanding and modernizing Route 17 is critical to the long-term economic well-being of the region and will lay the foundation for enhanced local and long-distance travel, as well as enhanced business recruitment and retention.
Extending Route 17 to Interstate 86 stands to generate $82 million in additional state sales tax revenue for the State of New York over the next decade.
